The influence of modern press has been increasingly relegated as technology advancements have increased everyone’s access to a virtually limitless wealth of information. Nevertheless, once-respected news sources seem to be in a race to erode what is left of their waning credibility.

America’s most recognizable newspaper, The New York Times, has long been accused of toeing the leftist line and, as a result, has lost significant market share to alternative publications. A disturbing illustration of this trend is found in an article that somehow made it to the front page of the paper recently.

When instantly identifiable figures die, it is common for newspapers to include a staff-written obituary even on the front page. The disreputable figure honored with such a tribute in the Times on Dec. 20, however, defies logic.

Al Goldstein, a native New Yorker who eked out a certain level of fame by publishing a vile pornographic periodical called Screw, was given a prime spot on page one following his death at age 77. For comparison, when fellow pornographer and arguably more famous Bob Guccione died a few years back, the Times placed his obituary on page 34.

While including someone of his chosen profession in such a prominent location is insulting enough, Goldstein’s personal views regarding God were completely beyond the pale. While Americans are certainly free to believe – or ridicule – any higher power they choose, Goldstein seemed to revel in the opportunity to offend Bible-believing Christians.

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As his front-page obituary read, the lewd figure “lived to shock and offend.” Even in death, he was able to secure a forum through which his sacrilegious views can spread.

Speaking on behalf of his own religion, though in direct contrast with the views of millions of fellow Jews, he said God’s Chosen People often gravitate toward pornography because they “don’t believe in authoritarianism.”

While hiding behind the shelter of a religion in one breath, a profanity-laced tirade later in the same interview revealed he has no room for faith in a higher power.

In a hateful obituary following the death of Cardinal Terence Cooke 30 years ago, Screw proclaimed that the Catholic leader was “hounded out of this life by a vengeful god … furious at the church for disallowing birth control….”

This is the type of role model the New York Times heralds as worthy of front-page placement. In light of such journalistic malfeasance, it is no wonder the Times and its carbon copies across the nation are shedding subscribers at a record pace.